A true story about two Hungarian football players and coaches… Football, friendship and courage: The story of István Tóth – Sloth(Hungarian nickname: Potya) and Géza Kertész – Carp (Hungarian nickname: Lajhár)
On Tuesday, January 30, 6.30 p.m., on the occasion of the commemorations of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the Italian Cultural Institute of Budapest presented Compagnia Carnevale (The company was established in 2016 ) play title: Il Bradipo e la Carp directed by Antonio Carnevale, whom took the stage with Riccardo Stincone.
The play is a theatrical adaptation of Roberto Quartarone‘s book “Two Heroes on a Bench”, published by InContropiede. The premiere was @ the Federico Fellini Room of the Italian Cultural Institute (District VIII., 8. Bródy Sándor Street – Budapest) in Italian language with Hungarian subtitles.
Géza Kertész and István Tóth both kicked the ball together on the football fields in the early 1900s, at the Ferencváros Sport Club together. István Tóth, one of the prominent figures of the green and white club, nicknamed “Potya”, while Géza Kertész “Lajhar” named due to his slow movement, although he was also a highly skilled footballer.
The two Hungarians, considered prominent representatives of the “Hungarian school” found eachother again in Italy, this time as coaches: Géza Kertész – “Lajhár” on the bench of Catania, Atalanta, Lazio and Rome, István Tóth “Potya” as coach of Triestina and Inter. The play portrays the figures of the two protagonists through the use of various comic and tragic elements, while being an entertaining experience stretches, makes the audience think about the story of a friendship, love for Italy, courage, loyalty to the homeland and honor during World War II. in the shadow of horrors. Their friendship was anti-fascist during World War II. Consolidated in months of resistance … they contribute in saving the lives of dozens of politically persecuted and Jews and until the last moment of their lives, early February 1945 they were shot dead by Nazi soldiers at the Buda Castle.
In 2018, the life of the “The Lajhár” and “The Potya” were performed for the first time all over Italy’s regions, and more than 150 performances was played in front of the large number of audience. In Italy the play received various accolades. The play was finally introduced to the Hungarian invited audience.
Riport by Aggie Reiter
Rolling in Budapest 